MSP joins the call for cancer unit at Stobhill

A top Scots politician has joined the growing number of campaigners fighting to secure cancer treatments at Stobhill Hospital.

Jenny Marra, shadow secretary for health and wellbeing at the Scottish Parliament is supporting the chemotherapy campaign led by Lenzie man Tom Herbert.

The MSP is calling for more investment in the NHS across Scotland including a chemotherapy unit made available at Stobhill.

Jenny Marra MSP said: ‘‘We know that the NHS is under huge pressure. It needs extra support and investment and I am adding my voice to Tom’s campaign.”

Tom, who has been fighting for a chemo unit for the past six years said: ‘‘I welcome Jenny Marra’s support for the chemotherapy service. I hope she takes up the challenge with some positive action.’’

He added: “I was delighted every candidate at the recent local hustings for the general election backed the campaign.

“I would particularly like to thank the Labour candidate Dr Amanjit Jhund for his support gathering hundreds of signatures for a petition.’’

Dr Jhund, who came third in the battle for the East Dunbartonshire seat at the general election on Thursday said: “I joined the Labour Party when I became a doctor and now work with hospitals up and down the country.

“That’s why I placed the Stobhill Campaign at the top of my agenda and will continue to fight for the NHS.”

In November, the chemo campaign suffered a blow when the then Scots health secretary, Alex Neil, dismissed a plea in parliament by the Scottish LibDems backing the fight. Mr Neil said NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde believed the provision of the service would be “unsafe and unsustainable”

But Dr Jhund said there are irregularities with the population modelling the health board carried out an that they have “serious questions to answer.’’Local people and their families suffering from cancer have to travel to the Beatson in Glasgow for chemotherapy.

Many say their illness, combined with the side effects of chemo, mean the journey, often by bus, is gruelling and stressful.